(NOAH) "I want you to have a memorable fight", Keiji Mutoh gives a shout out to Kaito Kiyomiya, who is participating in the G1

7th June 2023

Tokyo Sports

Pro Wrestling Master, Keiji Mutoh (60) has given a shout out to beloved disciple, Noah's Kaito Kiyomiya (26) who is to participate in New Japan's midsummer festival, "G1 Climax" (which opens on July 15th in Sapporo) for the first time.

Mutoh commented on the decision to participate in the festival for the first time in seven years, as a Japanese wrestler who belongs to another promotion, saying, "It's a good thing. No matter what happens, whether you lose against Okada (Kazuchika) or not, that is not the finished form." He hoped for Kiyomiya's stubbornness and enthusiasm after he was defeated by Okada at Keiji Mutoh's retirement show (Tokyo Dome) in February. However, since he is participating, he wants him to make a maximum impact. Mutoh, who won the G1 as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion in 1995, said "In the end, I want everything to be a best bout, or Kiyomiya to be interesting, no matter who he fights. There are many different wrestlers in New Japan, so it is a difficult task to show off your strengths, but you have to do it. Each and every match, something that says that Kiyomiya is here". He also imposed a hurdle, "The idea of bringing New Japan's fans to Noah is fine, but rather than that, I'd like him to get in the spirit of "I want Noah and New Japan to be enriched."

In 2008, Mutoh, who at the time belonged to All Japan Pro Wrestling, returned to his former home, and took the IWGP title from Shinsuke Nakamura. At that time, he himself went up to the ring that was in the enemy territory saying, "New Japan has a lot of young fans", he emphasized "but girl fans in their twenties might look up to Tanahashi (Hiroshi) and Naito (Tetsuya) who are in their forties, and not scream out of respect. That's why if Kiyomiya pleases those fans, then New Japan and Noah will benefit". 

On the 6th, Mutoh was selected for the Sports category of the 42nd Best Father "Yellow Ribbon Award" and attended the ceremony. In reference to that he said, "I got this award because I caught the judges eye. I don't know if Kiyomiya is best bout, MVP or skill award, but I want him to have a memorable fight that catches eyes."

Will his masters words reach him? 

Translated from Tokyo Sports

Picture credit, Tokyo Sports